BOOBYTRAPS - eMilitary · PDF fileI FM 5-31 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUAL BOOBYTRAPS HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SEPTEMBER 1965 Manual provided by eMilitary Manuals-

I

FM 5-31 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUAL

BOOBYTRAPS

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

SEPTEMBER 1965 Manual provided by eMilitary Manuals-http://www.emilitarymanuals.com

No. 5-31

cEAPTNN 1. Ehtion I.

II. CmPTEB 2. Section I.

II. III.

CEAPmB 3. Section I.

II. III.

cEwTsn 4.

t3action I. II.

III. CEAPTEB 5. Section I.

II. CnAPrxa 6. &x?tion I.

II. ~PBNDIX I.

DEPARTMENT OF THE AFtMY wASEINGl’ON, D.C., 14 SGptGnbcr 1886

BOOBYTRAPS

CEUUCl-ERISTICS OF BOOBYTRAPS Intmdu~on____-______________________________ Plincipleaof opslation__________________________ USE OF BOOBYTRAPS Basic cloGhim__________________________________ Plan&g______________________________________ ImtdWion_______-____________________________ BOOBYTRAPPING EQUIPMENT Fxngdevia?o________________-_________________ Demdition maw________________ ____________ Midfm_______-_______________________________ CONSI’RUCTION TECHNIQUE8 BoobytrBpping minea in milK&lde________________ Boobytrapping buildhgm_________________________ Turain_____________________-_________________- MISC%LLANEOUS BOOBYTRAPS standardboobytlnpe____________________________ I~~~Om_________________________________ BOOB~DETECTI ON AND REMOVAL emend____________________________..-_

. . Dmarmmgmethodn_____________________________

p- w

l-2 3 3-7 3

3-o 9 lo-14 9 15-17 14

m-26 19 27-30 35 31-36 45

37-30 51 40-44 61 45A379

49-50 37 51-62 92

63-63 119 w-72 123

Beferencu____________________-________________ _____ 127

mis wnud l powdes FM 5-31, 31 m 1954, idmdi~ c 1, 16 -

1957, and c 2,25 Au9vrt 1959.

TAO0 67X4-B-&phnbsr

Manual provided by eMilitary Manuals-http://www.emilitarymanuals.com

CHAPTER 1

CHARACTBRISTICS OF BOOBYTRAPS

Section

1. Purpose and Scope a. This manual contains

I. INTRODUCTION

procedures, techniques, and expedients for the instruction of the soldier in the assembly, use, detection, and removal of boobytraps in combat.

b. Included are descriptions and discussions of the design and functioning characteristics of standard demolition items - firing -devices, explosives, and accessories - and missiles, such as hand grenades, mortar ammunition, artillery ammunition, and bombs.

c. This manual also contains information on a variety of items and indigenous materials useful for improvising firing devices, explosives, and pyrotechnic mixtures for guerrilla warfare appli- cations.

d. Factory-produced boobytraps (dirty trick devices) are described. Most of these have been developed and used in the field by foreign armies.

e. Safety measures pertinent to boobytrapping operations are provided for the protection of troops from casualty.

f. The contents of this manual are applicable to nuclear and non- nuclear warfare. 2. Commnh

Users of this manual are encouraged to forward comments or recommendations for changes for improvement. Comments should be referenced to the page, paragraph, and line of text. The reason for each comment should be given to insure proper interpretation and evaluation. Forward all comments directly to the Commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060.

Section II. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

3. Types of Boobytraps A boobytrap is an explosive charge cunningly contrived to be

fired by an unsuspecting person who disturbs an apparently harm- less object or performs a presumably safe act. Two types are in use -improvised and manufactured. Improvised boobytraps are assembled from specially provided material or constructed from materials generally used for other purposes. Manfactured boobytraps are dirty trick devices made at a factory for issue to troops. They usually imitate some object or article that has souvenir appeal or that may be used by the target to advantage.

3


4. Assembling Boobytraps A boobytrap consists of a main charge, firing device, standard

base (not always used), and detonator. Another item, the universal destructor, is an adapter for installing a firing device assembly in a loaded projectile or bomb to make an improvised boobytrap. Also, firing device assemblies are often attached to the main charge by means of a length of detonating cord.

5. Boobytmp Firing Chain THE flRING CHAIN IS A SERIES Of INITIATIONS Bf.GlNNING WITH A SMALL QUANTITY Of HIGHLY SWSITIVE EXPLOSIVE AND ENDING WITH A COMPARATIVELY LARGE QUANTITY Of INSENSITIVE EXfLOSIVE.

RaEABED BTRIKER FIRES PERCUSSIDN CAP

Q PERCUSSION CAP PRODUCES SETS CFF DETONATOR FLAME

(NOT ALWAYS USED)


6. Initiating Adions

THE INlllATlMi ACnON STARTS THE SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS IN THE ROOBVTRAF ’ FIRING CHAIN.

A. PRESSURE

WEIGHT OF FOOT STARTS EXFLOSIVE AClION.

B. PULL

LIFTING THE SOUVENIR STARTS EXFLOSIVE ACTION.

C. PRESSURE-RELEASE MOVING THE STONE STARTS EXFLOSIVE ACTION.

MIA1 PRESSURE _ FIRING DEVICE

Ml PULL RRING DEVICE - _i :

MS PRESSURE FIRING DEVIC


D. WON-RELEASE

RAISING LOWEa SASH $TAcTs EKn0slvE ACTION.

7. Firing Device Internal Actions A FIWJG DEVICE,.WHEN ACTUATED MAY FUNCTION INTERNALLY IN MANY WAYS TO INITIATE THE RIING CHAIN.

A. ELECTRIC

REMOVAL OF WEDGE BETWEB CONTACTS CLOSES CIRCUIT AND FIRES ELECTRIC CAP.

THROUGH ELECTRIC CAP WOODEN

B. MECnANICAL

RELEASB) STRIKER, DRIVEN I? ITS SPRING, FIRES PERCUSSION CAP.


c. ?uLGFRIcTIoN

NJUING THE CHEMICAL ?EUET THKOUGli THE CHEMlKAL COMOUND CAUSES FlASn TnAl FIRES. nlE DETONATOC.

D. ?KESSUIE-PRICTION

PUSSSURE ON TO? OF THE STRIKER FOKCSS ITS CONE-SHAIED END INTO THE PHOSPHORUS AND GlASS MIXTURE IN THE MATING SLEEVS, CAUSING A FWH fHAT FIRES THE DETONATOR

?UlLfRlCTi6N FUZE,WEST WW II GERMANY

MATING SLEEVE PnosmoRus COMOUND

MODS1 1952 FUNCE


E. CHEMICAL

(1) PRESSURE PRESSURE ON THE TOP BREAKS THE VIAL, FREEING THE SULPHURIC ACID TO MIX WITH THE FLASH POWDER, PRODUCING A FLAME THAT FIRES THE DETONATOR.

WW II GERMANY SUCK CHEMICAL FUZE

(2) DELAY CRUSHING THE AMPULE RELEASES THE CHEMICAL 10 CORRODE THE RETAINING WIRE, FREEING THE STRIKER TO FIRE THE DETONATOR. THE DELAY IS Dl3ERMlNRD BY THE TIME NERDRD FOR THE CHEMICAL TO CORRODE THE RRTAINING WIRE.


cHAPlER2

USE OF BOOBYTRAPS

!kdion I. BASK DOClRiNE

8. Tadkol Frinciplos Boobytraps supplement minefields by increasing their obstacle

value. They add to the confusion of the enemy, inflict’ casualties, destroy material, and lower morale. Boobytraps are usually laid by speciahsts. All military personnel, however, are trained in han- d2- zplosives and other boobytrapping material, so that they mav, L ne==y, boobytrap a mine or install a simple boobytrap. 9. W

aArmycomman ders issue special instructions for the use of boobytrapswithintheircomman d. Supplies are authorized and pro vided as required to meet boobytrapping needs.

b. Army and higher comman ders may delegate authority to lay boobytraps to as low as division comman ders. All higher commanders, however, may revoke this authority for a definite or indefinite period, as the tactical situation may require.

c. Records of all boobytraps laid are prepared and forwarded to higher headquarters.

d. Enemy boobytraped areas, as soon as discovered, are reported to higher headquarters to keep all interested troops advised of enemy activities. If possible, all boobytraps are neutralized; other- wise they are properly marked by warning signs.

So&m II. PUNNING

10. Tmcihl Ehds a. The ingenious use of local resources and standard items is

important in making effective boobytraps. They must be simple in construction, readily disguised, and deadly. They may produce unezpected results if conceived in sly cunning and built in various forms. Boobytraps cause uncertainty and suspicion in the mind of the enemy. They may surprise him, frustrate his plans, and inspire in his soldiers a fear of the unknown.

b. In withdrawal, boobytraps may be used in much the same way as nuisance mines. Buildings and other forms of shelter, roads, paths, diversions around obstacles, road blocks, bridges, fords, and similar areas are suitable locations for concealing boobytraps.

c. In defense, boobytraps, placed in the path of the enemy at strategic locations in sufficient numbers, may impede his progress, prevent detailed reconnaissance, and delay disarming and removal

of mlneilelds.

9


11. aasic Principles Certain basic principles, as old as warfare itself, must be followed

to get the optimum benefit from,boobytraps. Knowledge of these principles will aid the soldier, not only in placing boobytraps expertly, but in detecting and avoiding those of the enemy.

A. APPEARANCES CONCEALMENT IS MANDATORY TO SUCCESS. ALL LITTER AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF ROORYTRAPING MUST BE REMOVED.

EALED IN 6

ORVIOUS PULLWIRE

R. FIRING AN OBVIOUS FIRING ASSEMBLY MAY DISTRACT ATTENTION FROM A CUNNINGLY- HIDDEN ONE.

C. LIKELY AREAS DEFILES OR OTHER CONSTRICTED AREAS ARE EXCELLENT LOCATIONS.


0. OISTACLES ROAD IlOCKS, FALLEN TREES, LITTER, ETC., ARE IDEAL LOCATIONS

DEVlCi

E. GATHERING PLACES IN BUILDINGS, AT BUllDlrjG ENTRANCES, AND IN SIMILAR PLACES WHERE SOLDIERS MAY MOVE OR . GATHER, DELAY CHARGES PAY OFF.


F. APPEAL TO CURIOSITY BOOBYTRAPS LAID IN BOLD POSITIONS TO DARE THE CURIOUS GET RESULTS.

G. BLUFF DUMMY BOOBYTRAPS, CONSISTENTLY REPEATED, MAY ENCOURAGE ,CARElESSNESS. AN OBVIOUS BOOBYTRAP MAY MASK

ANOTHER AND PERHAPS A MORF

DEADLY ONE.

II. LURES BOOBYTRAPS MAY BE BAITED. THE UNEXPECTED DETONATION OF A DELAY ACTION INCENDIARY OR EXPLOSIVE B~tiOBYTRAP MAY SCATTER TROOPS OR DETOUR THEM INTO A MORE HEAVILY LAID AREA.

12. Location of Charges a. Preparation. Small compact boobytraps are the most desire-

able for use in raids in enemy-held territory. Each member of a team must carry his own supplies and be able to operate indepen- dently. Boobytraps should be assembled, except for the attachment of the firing device, before entering enemy territory. This will reduce the work at the site to the minimum.

b. Location. Charges should be placed where they will do the most damage. A charge detonated against a stone wall will expend its force in magnified intensity away from the wall. The force of an explosion on the ground will affect the surrounding air more if the charge is placed on a hard surface. This deflects the explosive wave upward. A charge detonating 6 to 10 feet above the ground will damage a larger area than one laid on or below the surface.

c. Characteristics. Many inexpensive boobytraps, simple to make and easy to lay, will delay and confuse the enemy more than a small number of the expensive and complex kind. Complex mechanisms

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cost more, require more care in laying, and offer little more advantage than the simple type. 13. Reconnaissance

Complete reconnaissance of an area is essential to good planning. Without this and the preparation of a program, boobytraps may not be used effectively. Boobytrap teams are best suited to survey a combat area to determine its boobytrapping possibilities. 14. Plan of Operation

a. The commander with authority to use boobytraps coordinates his plans with other tactical plans. Timing of boobytrap operations with movement plans is extremely essential. Boobytraps should not be laid in areas where friendly troops will remain for any appreciable length of time. Plans will indicate what is to be done, where and when it will be done, and the troops to be used. Generally, trained troops are assigned such tasks.

b. The plan authorizes the use of boobytraps and the types and densities required in sp&fied areas, depending on the terrain, time, personnel, and material available. The completion of the detailed plan is delegated to the commander responsible for installation. Materials are obtained from unit supply stocks on the basis of the proposed action.

e. Complete coordination between the troop commander and the officer supervising boobytrap activities is essential. The area should be evacuated immediately following the completion of the job.

d. The commander installing boobytraps prepares a detailed plan indicating the site and the location, number, type, and setting. He assigns boobytrap teams to specific areas .and the laying of speci- fied types. The plan covers arrangements for supplies and transpor- tation and designates the location where all preliminary work on boobytraps will be done. Time tables are established to insure completion of the work to comply with withdrawal phases of tactical Plans.

e. In hasty withdrawal, when there is no time for planning, each team will be given a supply of material with instructions for making the best possible use of it in the time allowed.

f. Boobytrap planning must give proper consideration to all known characteristics of the enemy. Members of teams should study the personal habits of enemy soldiers, constantly devising new methods to surprise them. Repetitions may soon become a pattern easily detected by an alert enemy.

8. Withdrawal operations are the most desirable of all for laying boobytraps. When an enemy meets a boobytrap at the first obstacle, his progress throughout the area will be delayed even though no others have been laid. A few deadly boobytraps and many dummies, laid indiscriminately, can inspire great caution. Dummies, however, should be unserviceable or useless items. Never throw away material that may return to plague friendly forces !


Se&Ion III. lNSTAUANON 15. Respo~sMiies

a. A commander authorized to use boobytraps is responsible for all within his zohe of command: He will keep adequate records showing their type. number, and location, and prepare information on those laid and on practices followed by the enemy.

b. Management of boobytrap services may be delegated to the engineer staff officer.

c. Unit commanders must know the location of all boobytraps in their areas and keep all subordinates so advised. Subordinates are also responsible for reporting to higher headquarters all new information obtained on enemy bvobytraps.

d. Officers responsible for laying boobytraps prepare plans, supervise preliminary preparations, and direct their installation. They forward to proper authority a detailed report of their progress, advise all concerned when changes are made, and report to engineer intelligence units the discovery of any new enemy devices or low-cunning practices.

e. Engineer and infantry units, with special training, have the responsibility of installing and neutralizing boobytraps. Since adequate numbers of trainees may not always be available, all troops are given familiarity instruction in boobytrapping.

16. Procedures Like all activities involving explosives, booby-trapping is dan-

gerous only because of mistakes men make. Prescribed methods must be followed explicitly in the interest of personal safety and overall effectiveness.

a. Before assemblying a boobytrap, all components should be inspected for serviceability. They must be complete and in working order. All safeties and triggering devices must be checked to insure proper action, and for rust or dents thati might interfere with me chanical action.

b. If a boobytrapping plan is not available, one must be prepared on arrival at the site, so that the material obtained will be required itemS only. A central control point should be established in each boobytrap area where supplies may be unloaded and from which directions IWY be given. In areas where many boobytraps are con- centrated. safe passage routes from the control point to each location must be marked clearly. Lines or tape may be useful where vegetation is heavy. The control man is the key man.

c. Several teams may operate from one control point. Each team (rarely more than’two men) is assigned to a specific area and supplies are issued only as needed. Each detail commander must make certain that every man knows his job and is competent to do it. Teams will remain separated so that one may not suffer from the mistake of another. When a job is completed, all teams


must report to control man before going elsewhere. d. One person in each team is designated leader to direct all work.

If possible, members of a team will avoid working close together when a boobytrap is assembled. One member should do all technical work and the other be a helper to carry supplies, .provide assistance needed, and learn the skills needed.

e. Boobytraps laid during raids into enemy held territory should be small, simple, and easily installed. Each member of a party must carry the supplies he needs. The use of boobytraps under these conditions, when accurate records are impossible, may be a hazard to friendly troops if raids into the same area should become neces- SarY.

f. Procedure for installing boobytraps is as follows: (1) Select the site that will produce the optimum effect when

the boobytrap is actuated. (2) Lay the charge, then protect and conceal it. (3) Anchor the boobytrap securely, with nails, wire, rope, or

wedges, if necessary. (4) Camouflage or conceal, if necessary. (5) Teams arm boobytraps systematically, working toward

a safe area. (6) Leave the boobytrapped area clean. Carry away all items

that might betray the work that has been done, such as loose dirt, empty boxes, tape, and broken vegetation. Obliterate footprints.

17. Reporting, Recording, and Marking Boobytraps are reported and recorded for the information of

tactical commanders and the protection of friendly troops from casualty. Boobytrap installations are reported and recorded as nuisance minefields, whether the area contains both boobytraps and mines or boobytraps alone.

a. Reports (1) Intent. This is transmitted by the fastest means available

consistent with signal security. It includes the location of the boobytrapped area selected, the number and type of mines to be laid (if antitank mines are boobytrapped), boobytraps to be laid, the estimated starting and complet- ing .time, and the tactical purpose. The report is initiated by the commander authorized to lay the field and forwarded to higher headquarters.

(2) Initiation of L&ing. This report is transmitted by the fastest means available consistent with signal security. It contains the location and extent of the field, total number of mines and boobytraps to be laid, and estimated time of completion. The commander of the unit installing


l?J- --..,,T--,l..-


thefieldsendsthereporttothecomman derthatdire&d himtolayit.

(3) CompZetioa The report’ of completion is transmitted b7 the fastest possible means. It contains the numb& and lype of boob7traps laid, location and extent of the field or area and the time of completion. The report is forwarded to army level. when boobytraps are laid, either alone or with mines, the report of intent and the report of initiation of laying will include the estimated number of boobytraps to be placed and the report of completion, thenumberplaced.

b. &co&. Boobytrap are recorded as nuisance mine fiekla on the standard mine field record form. It is filled in as follows:

(1) The general locations are shown on the sketch, using the appropriate symbol. Boobytrapped areas or buildings are lettered -,‘A’ being the nearest to the enemy.

(2) The number, types, locations, and methods of operation of boobytraps are entered in the NOTES section of the form. If space is lacking, additional sheets may be attached. If the boobytrap cannot be adequately de$crilbed in a few short sentences, a sketch of minimuzz details will be included.

(3) The record is prepared simultaneously with the laying of the boobytrap and forwarded through +annels to army level without delay. If a standard fo& is not available, the data required must be entered and submitted on an expedient form.

(4) Nuisance mine fields containing both mines and boobytraps aiX!recordedaSpIWWl ‘bed in FM 20-32. Whim the specific locations of hoob7traps and mauufactured devices cannot be accurately IX+ corded(scatteredlayinginopenareas)theirnumberandtypeare entered in the notes section of the form and identified by grid coordinates.

c. MU&W. Boobytraps are marked. by special triangular signs pninted red on both sides. On the side facing away from the danger area, a 3-inch diameter white disc& centered in the triangle and the word BOOBYTBAPS ispaintedinw&iteacr&s;thetopin1- inch letters. The STANAG or new sign is similar except for the l- inch white stripe below the inscription. Signs may be made of metal, wood, plastic, or similar material. They are placed above ground, rig&angled apex downwards, on wire fences, @e-es, or doors, win- dows, or other objects or by pushing the apex in the ground. These working signs are Used by all troops to identify friendly boobytraps during the period preceding withdrawal from m-area, or to warn friendly forces of the preeence of act.iGe enemy boobytrapa

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d Abundcmment. When abandoning a boobytrapped area to the enemy, all markers, wire, etc., are removed.

e. 2Xgns. Signs are also used to mark enemy boobytraps or booby- trappedareas.

18


CHAPTER 3

BOOBYTRAPPING EQUIPMENT

Section I. FIRING DEVICES

18. Introduction Many triggering devices are available for use in boobytraps. They

include fuzes, igniters, and firing devices. All U.S. standard firing devices have the following advantages over improvisations; estab-

lished supply, speed of installation, dependability of functioning, resistance to weather, and safety. All have a standard base coupling by which they may readily be attached to a variety of charges. For more detailed information see TM9-1375-200. 19. Ml Al Pressure firing Device

a. Characteristics. Dimensions

CO*9 Color D 1 Intwnal Action Initiating Action

Metal OD K in 2% in Spring-driven striker 20 lb pressure or more with keyhole slot ralease

Safeties

Sof*ty clip and positive sofcty pin

Accesrori*s Packaging

&pronged Five pnitr wilh rtondord pressure head bases pocked in cordboord and carton. Thirty extension rod cartons shipped in wooden box.

b. Functioning. A pressure of 20 pounds or more on the pressure cap moves the trigger pin downward until the striker spindle passes through the keyhole slot. This releases the striker to fire the percussion cap.

PROTKTIV

TBAINING

19 BEFGRE ATTACWNG BLASTING CAP


KEYHOLE SLOT

c. Inhlling. (1) Remo-:e protective cap from base and crimp on a non-

electric blasting cap. Ctiq~r jaws ah024ld be placed NO farther than ‘/r inch from open end of blasting cap.

(2) Assemble 3-pronged pressure head and extension rod and screw in top gf pressure cap, if needed.

(3j Attach firing device assembly to standard base. (4) Attach firing device assembly to charge.

NONELECTRIC

NOTE. If top pm‘s”,. board is usd. afiow d.omn- SP=.

bmfweon if and top of plon~s W pnSSu_ COP.

d. Arming. Removu safety clip first and positive pin last.


Documents

BOOBYTRAPS - eMilitary · PDF fileI FM 5-31 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUAL BOOBYTRAPS HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SEPTEMBER 1965 Manual provided by eMilitary Manuals-